Bolt and GitHub Copilot both use AI to help you produce software, but they assume very different users. Bolt builds a whole app for you in the browser. Copilot helps you write code inside an editor you already use. Here's how to tell which fits.
The short version
| Bolt | GitHub Copilot | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Chat-to-app builder in the browser | AI assistant in editors such as VS Code and JetBrains |
| Where you work | bolt.new | Your editor, plus a command-line tool and a coding agent |
| Best for | Going from idea to running app | Writing and changing code you own |
| Free plan | Yes, with a monthly token cap and a daily limit | Yes, with a capped number of completions and limited chat and agent use |
| MCP support | Yes, custom MCP connectors | Yes |
| GitHub link | GitHub is one of its starting points | Ties in with GitHub issues and pull requests |
Plans change often. See Bolt and GitHub's Copilot plans page for current details.
What they have in common
- Natural-language instructions. You can ask for what you want in plain English.
- A free way to try. Both have free plans, with limits.
- GitHub in the picture. Bolt can start from a GitHub repo; Copilot is built by GitHub and connects to issues and pull requests.
Key differences
Who it's for. Bolt is aimed at people who want an app without setting up a development environment. Copilot assumes you have an editor and a project, and makes you faster inside it.
Scope. Bolt tries to produce the whole app. Copilot works on the code in front of you, from suggestions as you type to an agent and a command-line tool for larger tasks. Available features differ from one editor to another, so check yours.
Control. In Bolt you steer by chat. With Copilot you stay in charge of the files, the git history and the editor.
Limits. Bolt's free tokens can run out quickly on bigger projects. Copilot's free plan is capped at 2,000 completions a month.
Can you use both?
Yes. One route is to prototype in Bolt, push the code to GitHub, then open it in your editor and keep going with Copilot. Confirm how Bolt exports on your plan first. See our Bolt and GitHub Copilot pages for more.
Who should pick what
- You don't write code and want an app: Bolt.
- You code already and want a faster workflow: GitHub Copilot.
- You're learning to code: Copilot fits if you want to work in a real editor; Bolt fits if you'd rather see results first.
- You're on a team already using GitHub: Copilot's connection to issues and pull requests may matter to you.
Our verdict
This isn't really a head-to-head. If your goal is a finished-looking app without code, try Bolt. If your goal is to write code better, try Copilot. Try each free plan on a small task to see which feels natural.